HP Surestore 28/48-Slot with DLT7000 Digital Linear Tape SCSI-2 Drive and SCSI - Page 293

Programmer's Tips TapeAlert Specifications TapeAlert Specifications Overview TapeAlert is based on the tape drive/library performing constant self-diagnostics, and then returning high-level error flags. TapeAlert allows any storage software application using TapeAlert capable tape drives/libraries to access standard diagnostic information. Given this additional diagnostic information, the storage software can communicate clearly the tape drive or library's behavior, improving the overall reliability and usability of the storage solution. The TapeAlert specification is designed for easy addition of other device types in the future, by adding new device specific definitions for the 64 alert flags in the TapeAlert Log page. Host Software Interface The TapeAlert information is accessed via a Log Sense page, and configuration is via a Mode Select page. The Mode Sense/Select configuration of the TapeAlert interface is compatible with the SMART diagnostic standard for disc drives. The host software should first check the tape drive/library to determine whether it supports the TapeAlert Log Sense page 0x2e. By default the host software access to the TapeAlert Log Sense page is via polling. The TapeAlert Log Sense page should be read from a tape drive/autoloader device at the following times: • At the beginning of a write/read job, even if media is not loaded • Immediately after a fatal error during the write/read job • At the end of each tape when the write/read job spans multiple tapes. If the tape is to be ejected then the Log Sense page must be read BEFORE this. • At the end of a write/read job Appendix B B- 23